Heavy Equipment Operator - Gas

Operates a wide variety of equipment for the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of gas systems and infrastructure to ensure efficient and effective services to the community.

Environmental Factors
Works is performed outdoors 95% and 5% indoors; exposure to all weather conditions, noise, dust, dirt, open manholes, street cave-ins, chemicals, gases, mechanical, electrical, explosive and burn hazards. Safety equipment required includes safety shoes, vest, ear plugs, sound attenuator, hard had, safety visor and gloves.

Physical Factors
Heavy physical work involving balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height; lifting and carrying items weighing up to 90 pounds; digging with a shovel weighing up to 10 pounds up to eight hours per day; ability to work in confined spaces, wear and use SCBA confined space equipment, and pass annual physical, visual and verbal ability to recognize and communicate hazardous situations to others.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, requires overtime for responding to emergency operational needs and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
This initial posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position in the Gas Corrosion Section of the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other full-time and/or contract vacancies in Gas Services.
Full-time, regular; non-exempt; union-represented position.

Position is graded BC11.

• Operates, uses, and employs backhoe, tractor, truck, vactor truck and other equipment required to perform exclusive activity to meet the need of the specific job and performs preventive maintenance and minor repair on equipment and systems.
• Performs inspections on gas lines; performs minor repairs and/or preventive maintenance.
• Operates and performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Ensures adherence to all traffic safety regulations and procedures at all times.
• Participates with crew leaders and other crew members in the overall operation of the City gas systems and infrastructure.
• Responds to gas emergencies by assessing the situation; coordinates work crews and completes the work.
• May operate a dump truck with a GVWR of 53,000 pounds and a 2.5 ton truck to transport equipment to and from the work site.
• Operates excavator for larger jobs which require digging deeper than 10 feet for the installation of gas systems.
• Drives and maneuvers a water truck to and at construction sites on uneven terrain.
• Prepares and gathers equipment and materials for jobs; draws maps and completes work orders for jobs.
• Aligns, grinds, and prepares pipeline for welding.
• Provides work direction and training to other crew members.
• Respectfully interacts with the public to inform them of maintenance, repair, and installation activities; ensures work is completed with minimal disruption to services.
  

No specific education requirement AND (4) years of experience in the construction/installation/ maintenance of natural gas systems which includes one (1) year of operating construction equipment. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)
Valid State of New Mexico Class A commercial driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. New Mexico Department of Transportation (NM DOT): American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATTSA) Certification as a Traffic Control Technician is required within 6 months of employment.
Knowledge of: Practices and methods regarding the construction and maintenance of natural gas distribution and cathodic protection systems; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: Operate various motorized light equipment and vehicles in all weather conditions perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; perform basic mathematical calculations, including linear and cubic measurements; maintain minimum proficiency in backhoe operation navigate across even and uneven surfaces; ability to work in confined spaces, use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical,. timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: Performing manual labor and semi-skilled maintenance and repair activities; operating a variety of power driven equipment; operating small hand and power tools and other job-related equipment and vehicles, reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.